Iran may not ‘stop fighting’ even as Trump says U.S. could leave Iran soon: Fmr. CIA analyst President Trump has reportedly softened his stance on securing the Strait of Hormuz, withdrawing his earlier demand that NATO allies assist in protecting the critical waterway. In a statement, Trump claimed the United States does not require external support for this task, marking a departure from his previous insistence on collective responsibility. NBC News correspondents Monica Alba, Courtney Kube, and Raf Sanchez provided updates on the evolving conflict, highlighting the shifting dynamics of U.S. military involvement. Ken Pollack, vice president for policy at the Middle East Institute, offered analysis on the leadership structure within Iran, emphasizing the complexities of internal decision-making processes. The article notes that Trump’s recent remarks reflect a broader strategic recalibration, with the administration engaging in “preliminary conversations” with Iran to explore pathways for ending the war. However, a former CIA analyst has warned that Iran may not halt its military actions even if the U.S. withdraws, citing the country’s entrenched commitment to regional dominance and resistance to external pressure. This assessment aligns with concerns raised by Israeli officials, who echoed Trump’s position by stating Israel would be willing to end hostilities only if the U.S. does so first. Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s approach to funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has faced challenges, as the president “emphatically rejected” proposed solutions from Republican lawmakers. The ongoing DHS shutdown has been labeled a “national security issue” by a former secretary, underscoring the urgency of resolving the crisis. Additionally, approximately 5,000 U.S.#iran #trump #strait_of_hormuz #department_of_homeland_security #middle_east_institute
